Inaugural events to benefit Lowndes FYRST, Owls Food Pantry
The trails of the Plymouth Bluff Environmental Center will be bustling with activity on Saturday, April 18 as the inaugural Blue Bonnet 5k kicks off, followed by the Brunch Battle.
Participants are invited to decorate a spring hat, or bonnet, for the chance to win one of three prizes. There will be prizes awarded for most creative, most W-inspired and most nature inspired.
The race is sponsored by The W’s Rotaract Club, Visit Columbus and Plymouth Bluff.
The W’s Rotaract Club is a student organization which is a part of the Rotary International family of organizations. It seeks to develop the next generation of leaders to tackle the toughest challenges faced by society.
“I’m incredibly proud of the work our members have put into making the Blue Bonnet 5K a reality,” said Madisyn Watkins, president of the Rotaract Club at The W. “This event represents what Rotaract is all about, bringing people together in service while creating something meaningful for our community.”
Registration is $30 until April 6, after which it will be $35. Participants can register by visiting https://bit.ly/trailblazerrun.
Proceeds from the race will benefit the Lowndes FYRST (First-Generation Youth Realizing Success Together) Initiative, a collaboration between Mississippi University for Women, East Mississippi Community College and The Columbus Rotary Club. The program is a facet of the First in Flight program, The W’s first-generation student program. The cohort of students participates in an annual retreat at Plymouth Bluff each January.
There will be awards for the top three males and top three females in each of the age groups: 0-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 & over.
Cabins are available at https://www.muw.edu/plymouthbluff/.
Following the 5k, the Brunch Battle will pit breakfast/brunch dishes together for the community to decide which one is the best. Tickets for the contest are included for race participants and are available to the community for $10.
Proceeds from the Brunch Battle will benefit the Owl Food Pantry. The pantry, which is located in Cochran Hall, provides food and hygiene items to all W students.
“Partnering with local organizations to support the Lowndes FYRST program and the Owl Food Pantry makes this event especially impactful, as both causes directly support students here on campus,” Watkins said. “We’re excited to see the community come out, enjoy the trail and be part of something bigger than themselves. Our hope is that this event not only raises support but also becomes a lasting tradition that continues to bring people together year after year.”